More than one quarter (26%) of workers feel their managers and employee representatives are ineffective at working together to prevent and resolve conflict, according to a new Acas survey.
The survey, carried out by YouGov, also found that nearly one in 3 (31%) workers do not have any employee representatives who could help prevent conflict.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 gives new access rights to trade unions, which makes effective employer and trade union relationships critical.
The government has consulted on a Code of Practice on the new independent right of trade unions to access workplaces that is expected to come into force in October 2026. It will provide guidance on how access is requested, agreed and implemented.
Acas is calling on government, trade unions and employers to work together positively to achieve access and prevent conflict.
Kevin Rowan, Acas Director of Dispute Resolution, said:
"We know there is a conflict management skills gap in Britain, and our survey shows too many cases where employee representatives and managers are not effective enough at working with each other, leading to conflict and disruption.
"Effective relationships between employee representatives and managers can help build trust, prevent disputes and contribute to productive organisations.
"I'm pleased the new draft Code recognises the valuable work that Acas collective conciliators do to build positive relationships between trade unions and employers. There is need for a balance on both sides on the right for trade union access outlined in the Code."
Acas's response to the government's consultation makes several recommendations, including how the Code should:
- balance rights and responsibilities, clarifying that effective access arrangements be meaningful, regular and could be in-person or digital, and unions and employers should work together positively to achieve access
- promote voluntary agreements on access between unions and employers, rather than rushing to formal procedures, and ensure the Code clearly signposts Acas services
Acas offers training, advice and a free service for managers and representatives to help prevent, manage and resolve conflict at work.
Acas collective conciliation involves working directly with employers and groups of workers or their representatives to settle a dispute. It gives both parties the chance to come to an agreement without taking legal or industrial action.
In 2024 to 2025, Acas handled 522 collective conciliations and helped to resolve 93% of cases.
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Background notes
Acas commissioned YouGov to poll employers in a representative sample of British businesses. The survey was carried out online and the total sample size was 1,000 employees in Great Britain. Fieldwork was undertaken between 5 February and 11 February 2026. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc and have been weighted, and are representative of British business size and region.
Participants were asked: In your organisation, how effective or ineffective do you feel management and employee representatives (from a trade union, staff forum, or other mechanism) are at working together to prevent and resolve conflict?
The results were:
- Very effective – 7%
- Somewhat effective – 26%
- Somewhat ineffective – 14%
- Very ineffective – 12%
- Don't know – 11%
Not applicable, we don’t have any employee representative mechanisms – 31%
You can read Acas's response to the consultation on the draft Code of Practice on trade unions right of access.
- Acas runs training courses on working effectively with trade unions – in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.